Feeling favored
The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” –Luke 1:28 (NIV)
What does it mean to be favored by God? Is it something we seek? Does it imply a life of ease? Is it a predictor of fame, fortune, popularity, a lasting legacy? How does God go about choosing who He will favor?
The uncommon level of favor Gabriel was talking about was not something Mary went looking for. It found her. God saw something in her and Joseph that let Him know theirs would be the perfect home for His only begotten to grow up in. Not that the assignment would be an easy one.
Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High.” –Luke 1:29-32a (NIV)
Starting with questions about Mary’s fidelity and Joseph’s morality, moving soon thereafter to a scenario that had them running for their lives, the path God placed them on was unpredictable and challenging, and sometimes scary. The precocious child with the enigmatic answer at age twelve, “Didn’t you know I had to be about my Father’s business?”, Jesus was ever obedient and respectful, but no doubt at times a mystery.
“How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” –Luke 1: 34 (NIV)
Nonetheless, they were faithful to the call they’d been given. The humility that made God choose them was the humility that made them gladly step into the assignment was the humility that enabled them to depend on God to complete the work He’d begun in them. Joseph provided and protected, but apparently died before Jesus gained notoriety as a rabbi with a following. Mary walked out her role as Jesus’ mother all the way to the cross and beyond.
The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God…. For no word from God will ever fail.” –Luke 1:35, 37 (NIV)
With God’s favor comes the promise of Emmanuel – He is with us. But it also includes a burden. The sacred assignment He entrusts to our care may take us through the loss of loved ones, health crises, financial disasters, or the heartbreak of wayward children. It may cost us friendships, our livelihood, sleepless nights, and our reputation. It’s at those points that we may ask ourselves whether God’s favor is something we really want. In some seasons, the noble task He is calling us to might just be to hold onto our faith while we wait for daylight.
My message for you this Christmas Eve? I don’t know the assignment He has you on. I don’t know what may be required of you to complete that assignment. I don’t know what the outcome of that assignment might be, or whether such effect will even be clear this side of eternity. But I know my God is faithful. I know He will never leave us or forsake us. And I know He is worth the fight.
“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” –Luke 1:38a (NIV)